Semeion Richardson dreams of having Downtown Leesburg covered in art.
As the founder of Artist With A Purpose, the first Black-owned art gallery in the tri-county area, she hopes to make her dream — and the dreams of other local artists — come true with programming and events throughout 2026, including the Art and Markers Market on March 20.
“‘Reading Rainbow’ was one of my favorite shows and the thing I remember most about it was not just reading, but remembering the imagination that comes alive out of the book,” Richardson said.
She wants everyone to feel the presence of what art can do when they walk down the street.
“I need art to come alive,” she said. “I want the expression of what they are feeling, to not just look at the painting but get connected to it.”
The monthly cultural art walk, formerly known as the 4th Street Art Experience, features an art fair, live music, a creative market and food vendors along S. 4th Street in Leesburg. The area also has a spring market that will return April 17 and May 15.
“I want to really focus on all forms of art and get that expansion a little bit more,” Richardson said. “You are going to have wooden art, food art, things that are made with everything. I really just wanted to get a broader picture of what we mean when we say ‘everything is art.’”
It could come in the form of a makeup artist, a tattoo artist or even a hair or nail artist.
The art fair also will feature a special performance of liturgical and cultural dance. It will conclude a three-day creative dance and art camp called Purpose in Motion, which is hosted by Artists with A Purpose and TTLA Academy and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17-19.
The camp combines art and dance with an art showcase for children ages 10 and older, but spaces are limited. It costs $350, but that fee covers art supplies, a dance uniform and guided instruction.
“Our goal is to touch the next generation,” Richardson said. “I feel like we are missing that hole. Kids are dealing with a lot today and they are either on the computer or connected to their cell phones. They need that creativity of art, music and dance to make it where they can connect to our community and push it to the bigger picture of who they are as young adults.”
Dedicated to sharing her love for art and ensuring others gain access to opportunity, she created Artist With A Purpose for the community and community artists — not for herself.
Richardson was recently awarded for her community service by the Men of Distinction Leesburg Black Heritage group during the 28th Annual Black Tie Gala on Feb. 27 and it made her feel recognized for her efforts.
“My desire has always been community,” she said. “I never really focus on me as an artist — though I am an artist. I’ve always just been giving to others.”
She was even invited to participate in Harlem Fine Arts Show in New York.
The traveling show is inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and brings together contemporary artists and art collectors to celebrate art of the African Diaspora.
Since its first show in 2009, it has traveled to more than 10 cities and showcased hundreds of artists and galleries with the goal of selling artwork and creating economic empowerment, educational opportunities and recognition within multicultural communities.
It was an opportunity to not only showcase her talent, but also the talents of other local artists in the tri-county area.
“I tapped Belina Wright and Dafeney Josue, and we just came together to represent Black women artists,” she said. “I also was able to find a Black female photographer and a make up artist, Tiffany Woodburn. It became a Black women artist movement and it was Black History Month, so it was a perfect time to talk about the variety of artists.”
She is still shocked that she was chosen to go.
“Words could not — even a Reading Rainbow song could not explain the experience of what we experienced,” she said. “I don’t think it hit us until we got home. It made me so at awe and want to learn so much more.”
Woodburn, founder of Synergi On-Site, said the experience was like ‘iron sharpening iron.”
“I’m the type of person that if I see somebody great or doing great things, I am not afraid to reach out,” she said. “That’s what I did with Semeion. We met and hit it off and I became her stylist for the experience.”
Woodburn wanted to show each person’s artistry, personality and who they are as an artist.
“The experience was wonderful because they showed their unique work as Black artists,” she said. “Seeing how everyone came together and no one was competing, it was very empowering.”
For Richardson, it is just the beginning of what she has planned for the year.
People can expect more events throughout the year including an open mic night and a health and fitness class that will partner with Fully In Tune Temple (F.I.T.T.), she said.
The fitness class runs from 7 to 8 p.m. April 13 and April 27. The first class is free, but the second is $10.
For more information about upcoming events visit artistwap.com or call 352-826-1144.
